Design in Print 9.3 | President's Design Award 2018

M C I ( P ) 1 0 4 / 0 8 / 2 0 1 8 | VOLUME 9 NUMBER 3 | 2018 SINGAPORE | W W W . D P A . C O M . S G

Letter from the Guest Editor In 1990, DP Architects was in a phase of expansion and we were recruiting new architects. Chan Sui Him told me of an architect who had graduated from the University of Adelaide with First Class Honours and was working with Woods Bagot in Canberra. I visited Angelene at her office in Canberra where she was helming projects for her boss. Right from first impressions, I could tell that she was congenial and outward-looking. At DP, we always search for talented people of integrity, and my assessment of her fulfilled these characteristics. I told Sui Him that she was immensely suitable and would go far in her work – we recruited her, and the rest is history.

Angelene’s success has not come without hard work. Just a week after joining us, she co-headed the retail component of the Suntec City project, impressing her team and leader with her guts, gumption, and keenness to tackle projects with steep learning curves head-on. Her ability to navigate, manage and direct projects impressed many of us, as well as the clients; many directors identified her as a potential successor to lead the firm. We have all witnessed Angelene’s unstoppable growth since her first day with DP, and yet she has remained humble through all her achievements, always recognising the efforts and value of every team member she works with.

In this special edition of Design in Print, we celebrate her most recent achievement – the President’s Design Award 2018 Designer of the Year – and trace her design journey through a selection of her projects.

The Designer of the Year Award is an honour for Angelene, and an honour for the people and teams she has worked with. Her success is truly a testament to the development of DP Architects.

Koh Seow Chuan Founder

c on ten ts 04 u p d a t e s Unveiling a new DPA website

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01 The Marvel Experience 02 Heartware Network Office 03 The Verandah Residences 04 Redwood Factory 05 Padma Hotel Semarang 06 Alpha City 07 Transhotel Mercure 08 Trans Studio Mall

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Nurturing the Culture of Design

21 I N D U S T R Y 01 Angelene Chan wins 'Designer of the Year' at P*DA 2018 02 Mediacorp Campus wins 'Design of the Year' at P*DA 2018 03 Our Tampines Hub in World Cities Summit 2018 04 Alpha City clinched Best Luxury Condo Architectural Design and Best Retail Development

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Angelene Chan | CONTENT Belle Chung, Toh Bee Ping, John Utanes, Chia Zhao Hui, Josy Koh GRAPHICS Lily Soh, Kirsten Wong, Rebecca Jin | PHOTOGRAPHER Bai Jiwen, Juliana Tan | CONTRIBUTOR Jackie Poh, Leah Koh

in brief

updates |

THE L ATEST HAPPENINGS IN DP |

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SHORT TAKES ON NEW & NOTABLE PROJECTS |

UNVEILING A NEW DPA WEB SITE 51 years of practice and DP Architects has always placed people at the core of our designs.

Carrying this principle into our digital spaces, the new dpa.com.sg takes an image-centric focus to enhance the experience of our users globally.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW WEBSITE I N C LU D E : O N E G LO B A L S T U D I O : To ensure that clients and our various groups of audiences could better reach out to our 17 global offices.

designFIRST: Understand DP’s design ecosystem that showcases our methodology and insight.

Our Specialist Ser vices: DP practises as a group of companies that cover a spectrum of services; we are proud to share our subsidiaries' new websites: DP CONSULTANTS, DP DESIGN, DP ENGINEERS, DP FACADE, DP GREEN, DP LIGHTING, DP SUSTAINABLE DESIGN, DP XPERIENCE

D P A | Heartware Network office SINGAPORE The Heartware Network Headquarters is DPA’s latest foray into the design of flexible and creative workplace environments. This 350sqm office showcases key ideologies of the organisation through design, encouraging and empowering participation and volunteerism in youth. The vibrant workplace, designed as a system of modular components, acts as a canvas with customisable spaces activated by an array of components such as tiered bleachers on wheels, loose seating and individual pedestals. This flexible canvas allows the users to create various settings of interaction and exchange, as well as create room for them to reimagine and inject their own identities within the spaces.

Visit our digital space at www.DPA.com.sg.

Ideation panels and spots are freely available throughout the space, encouraging spontaneous discussion and participation from youths. Advocating greater ecological and environmental consciousness among the youths, green and smart elements such as intelligent satellite control of electrical components through apps were incorporated within the space. These green apps allow users to monitor their day-to-day energy footprint, enabling energy efficiency while nurturing a socially responsible mind-set.

in brief |

SHORT TAKES ON NEW & NOTABLE PROJECTS |

D P A | The Marvel Experience BANGNA, THAILAND Following the maiden permanent Marvel Experience project in Busan, South Korea, The Marvel Experience Thailand (TMX) is the first themed entertainment park of its kind to launch in Southeast Asia in June 2018.

The 15,900sqm complex is divided into the ticket building and seven attraction domes. Each houses various attractions, including a 360-degree 3D projection theatre, a thrilling 4D motion ride and interactive games; all of which have been created by DP Architects in close collaboration with Hero Experience Company Limited.

This immersive experience puts visitors in the shoes of S.H.I.E.L.D agents as they explore the park.

Located on the outdoor entertainment extension area of MEGA BANGNA shopping centre, visitors can either enter from the drop-off area into the park directly or from the ticket building connected to the mall. The Marvel Experience Thailand promises to be an attraction for both locals and tourists who want to be part of the Marvel Story.

DPA | The verandah residences SINGAPORE Situated along Pasir Panjang Road, The Verandah Residences is a development of 170 units in four blocks of five storeys and three townhouses. Aesthetically and architecturally, it is a modern take on the neighbouring clusters of early 20th century black-andwhite colonial villas. This is reflected in the distinctive colour scheme of the development; the generous balcony-verandah spaces along with full-height windows encouraging natural air circulation throughout the units; and the vertical screens, generous ledges and roof eaves providing shade from direct sunlight. Each of these design elements are characteristic of vernacular architecture for the local tropical climate.

Modernity is articulated through window modules and horizontal ledges, which visually sculpt the form to maintain a sense of proportion in relation to the human scale. To maximise views, the four blocks were staggered in a 2x2 layout along a central axis through the length of the site. Between the blocks on this axis, there are spaces for a 40m lap pool and an intimate courtyard flanked by pockets of communal areas.

DPA | Redwood Factory SINGAPORE Aiming to create an exciting and landmark industrial building, the design of the new Singapore Redwood Factory is bold, timeless and sustainable. It is also a reflection of the company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. To achieve this, the design drew inspiration from the company’s namesake, the great Redwood tree. Like the bark of a tree, the red metal mesh façade is breathable, bringing fresh air to the interior of the space.

The angled glass fins act much like the bark’s rough texture, funnelling water down to the roots; or in this case, the landscape below. Singapore Redwood Factory is scheduled to complete in late 2019.

The 15,000sqm building was commissioned by Redwood Pte Ltd, a contract manufacturer of high-quality interior fittings for several of the world’s top brands.

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in brief |

SHORT TAKES ON NEW & NOTABLE PROJECTS |

Second year in the running, DP Architects is kicking off its DP Inspire Awards.

The award aims to inspire DPians to achieve design excellence.

This year, DP Inspire Awards comprises three categories – Building of the Year, Design of the Year, and Research & Innovation.

The award programme is open to all DPians in our global offices and specialist companies**.

Nomination period: 16 July – 10 August 2018.

PRize* S$15,000

S$15,000

S$10,000

Building of the year award

Design of the year award

Research & innovation award

*Prize money to be used towards study trips **Projects that have previously won in the inaugural DP Inspire Awards 2017 are not eligible to participate this year.

Projects that were submitted last year (but did not win) are eligible to try again this year.

For more news visit our website

www.dpa. com,sg follow us on SOCIAL MEDIA

DPARCHITECTS

DP ARCHITECTS

DP_ARCHITECTS

DPA | Alpha City HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Alpha City is a 50-storey residential-retail tower located at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, along the bustling Nguyễn Cư Trinh. Featuring a rooftop bar on its 49th floor, the towers boast unparalleled views of the city – from the Saigon River to the historic site of the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica.

The design intention of Alpha City fulfils two purposes. On one hand, with its lush landscaping and sky gardens, it stands as a green oasis within the dense urban fabric. On the other, the distinctive tapered form simultaneously enhances the skyline of historic landmarks and manifests the new up-andcoming District 2 of the city. This is embodied in its varying façade treatments of pixilation, verticality and stratification, which not only nods to its cultural and site context but also re-interprets traditional Vietnamese patterns. The façade design breaks up the volume of the tower and creates a distinctive elevation.

Developed in partnership with Alpha King Real Estate Development Joint Stock Company, Alpha City has won both Best Luxury Condo Architectural Design and Best Retail Development at the Vietnam Property Awards 2018.

in brief |

SHORT TAKES ON NEW & NOTABLE PROJECTS |

DPA | Padma Hotel Semarang CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIA Slated for completion in 2020, Padma Hotel Semarang is strategically located within close proximity of the city centre and Ahmad Yani Airport in Northern Semarang of Central Java. The 10-storey hotel is the local hotel chain’s first foray in Semarang.

In creating a complementary and constant dialogue between building and nature that is in line with a calming and restful hospitality experience, simple, unobtrusive but distinct architecture was deemed the best approach. To realise this, the entire hotel complex

was conceived upon a systematic linear grid that maximised the use of the compact site area and geometry.

Inspired by surrounding greenery, structural columns of the hotel lobby act as frames to maximise views of the landscape. Continuing the seamless transition from outside to inside, a linear gallery space with full-height glazed façade that provides daylight, connects the hotel to the ballroom which enjoys a dedicated outdoor deck as an extension to its indoor pre-function hall. At the topmost floor, the pinnacle Sky Bar experience is characterised by its collection of outdoor, semi-enclosed and indoor alcoves and lounge areas.

DPD | Transhotel MeRcure JAKARTA, INDONESIA Adjoining Trans Studio Mall in Cibubur, south of Jakarta, the interior of Mercure Cibubur is inspired by traditional dance forms and movements, as well as the fabric movements of a dancer’s clothes and silk ribbons.

The design scheme is a visual rhythm of dramatic notes as evident in the sculptured elements greeting guests at the Lobby Reception on the ground floor and muted notes of minimalism in the guestrooms.

The palette is a contemporary dance of carefully curated colours and material. Wood and gold paint the interior with cultural notes and appeal of its local traditional charm. Within the larger neutral palette, the brand colours of Mercure Cibubur and Trans form bright notes that tastefully accentuate the space. True to Mercure’s branding, hotel guests receive a genuine experience full of character and local charm.

DPD | Trans studio mall JAKARTA, INDONESIA Located south of Jakarta in Cibubur, Trans Studio Mall introduces the concept of an integrated lifestyle entertainment hub. Not only offering an unparalleled dining and shopping experience, the mall also has an integrated theme park along with an adjoining hotel tower, Hotel Mercure.

Inspired by the traditional Indonesian Cendrawasih dance that was originally derived from the Bird of Paradise known as burung cendrawasih, strong yet soft curvatures are placed throughout the mall. The interior mimics the male and female dancers’ identities, dividing plots into their unique spaces while still complementing each other through details for a cohesive whole. Unlike the usual shopping mall, a glass dome which acts as an observatory deck is placed in the middle of the atrium.

A playscape-netting feature surrounds the dome, allowing shoppers to interact with the space.

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IN DEPTH |

ANGELENE: DESIGN JOURNEY |

NURTURING THE CULTURE OF DESIGN president*s design award DE S I G N E R O F T H E Y E A R : A N G E L E N E C H A N

By Shawn Teo and Widari Bahrin

The President*s Design Award (P*DA) is Singapore’s highest honour for designers and designs across all disciplines, recognising the achievements of an extraordinary group of people making a difference to the lives of Singaporeans and the global community through excellent design. This year, P*DA is re-launched as a biennial award with a great emphasis on the impact of design in: 1. Enabling economic transformation; 2. Raising the quality of life; 3. Advancing Singapore brand, culture and connecting communities; and 4. Making ground-breaking achievements in the field of design.

With an entrenched focus on architecture through its dual jury framework, administered by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and DesignSingapore Council (Dsg), P*DA extols our built environment; a prized masterpiece for this compact but liveable island city. Since 2006, at least one architect has been conferred Designer of the Year, an affirmation of the local architectural profession.

In 2017, the assessment criteria and promontory mileage were re-evaluated to imbue greater robustness and meaning into the award titles. Rebranded from an annual PDA to a biennial programme, the council is bolstering promotion efforts to yield higher publicity and galvanise the award's reputation. It is truly heartening to view this in perspective of a national effort to further propagate design consciousness and excellence for its people and economy. Ado the short interregnum1, the President*s Design Award has been revitalised with a transparent rubric that focuses on the quantitative and qualitative impacts of design to society writ large. The award now places “a greater emphasis on the impact of design in transforming work and business; raising the quality of life; enhancing culture and connecting communities; and advancing the design industry and the role of designer”2.

Angelene has always placed users’ needs over and above any overarching style – an approach that gives her the agility as a designer. Her portfolio of works, comprising a broad spectrum of projects across various typologies, geo-location and scale, is testament to this. From Noon Square in Seoul and Wisma Atria in Singapore to The Dubai Mall; from Sunray Woodcraft Construction Headquarters to Paya Lebar Quarter; and Mariner’s Quarter in London and Bonnevaux Meditation Centre in Poitier, France – each is a design exploration and iteration of the relationship between people and space, as well as between design and socio-economic impacts. Her successful completion of notable large-scale projects has put DP and Singapore design on the map. Acknowledged for her design contributions, Angelene has been awarded multiple design awards, including the President*s Design Award for Sunray Woodcraft Construction Headquarters in 2015. Yet, she has never stopped questioning her means of design and the evolving role of architecture in society.

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“A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW WAS THEREFORE RUN FROM DEC 2016 TO JUNE 2017 TO RELOOK THE PDA APPROACH, STRUCTURE, PROCESSES AND PROGRAMMES.” PRESIDENTS*S DESIGN AWARD: A GUIDE TO NOMINATING AND SUBMITTING FOR PDA 2017/2018. DSG & URA, 2017. P3.

2 P*DA MEDIA RELEASE, 17 JULY 2018. DESIGNSINGAPORE COUNCIL, MCI AND URA, MND

JURY CITATION FOR ANGELENE CHAN In her 30 years in the architecture industry, Angelene has worked on a variety of projects, of which the ones she had designed and built, had won prestigious design awards including the President’s Design Award for Sunray Woodcraft Construction Headquarters (2015) and Republic Polytechnic (2008) in collaboration with Maki and Associates.

The Jury recognises Angelene’s drive for innovation and research through the establishment of typology research groups which aim to push the frontiers of design in

The Jury commends Angelene as an industry leader who understands and exemplifies the multi-faceted role of an architect. Her commitment to working in collaboration with the various stakeholders, professions and communities is exemplary and demonstrates the importance of achieving the best outcomes as a team. For being a role model, Angelene is a deserving recipient of the President’s Designer of the Year Award.

Jurors: Chan Soo Khian, Martin Duplantier, Professor Li Xiaodong, Professor Erwin Viray, Raymond Woo

DP Architects. Her drive to reposition DP Architects for the new challenges ahead to build a design culture within the firm is commendable.

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A practising architect with over three decades of experience, Angelene’s design philosophy is rooted in her belief in the qualitative nature of architecture. She pursues an architecture driven by its users while remaining sensitive to its context and environment, so as to create spaces that are meaningful and enriching. She applies this design ethos to her projects, big and small, across varied typologies. Within DP Architects, she continues to champion the three main thrusts of designFIRST, One Global Studio and People+Partners, in pushing the frontier of design for the practice. Angelene has devoted much of her time and energy mooting a series of company-wide initiatives including the weekly designShare and annual designFuture Conference for the holistic development of DPians. Aside from her duties as CEO, she currently sits on the boards of Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Board of Architects (BOA) to promote architecture and urban design excellence in her professional capacity. She tirelessly encourages young architects to explore beyond architecture and embrace design as a larger endeavour.

"MY ACT OF DESIGN IS PROPELLED BY PASSION, AND REQUIRES OUR HUMAN SENSE OF AESTHETICS, LOGIC AND EMOTIONS TO CREATE DESIGNS THAT INTUIT HUMAN CONNECTIONS AND RESPONSES."

A firm believer in the transformative power of design, Angelene’s greater aspiration as a designer is to nurture a culture of learning and design thinking. Cultivating the spirit of exploration and invention within DP, she has personally nurtured promising ideas into international award-winning designs, such as the urban installation, Rhizome House at the 2016 Amsterdam Light Festival. This creative freedom to invent methodologies and disrupt critically has deepened the design culture within the practice, and is posited to yield even more in time to come. In acknowledging this momentous occasion, let us understand and appreciate Angelene’s designs through P*DA.

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P*DA IMPACT 1

ENABLING ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION Projects that transform work experiences and businesses through innovative design strategies and processes, change management and innovative spaces.

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Wisma Atria | Singapore | 2004, 2012 Attuned to changing retail trends, Angelene’s two dynamic façade transformations of Wisma Atria in 2004 and 2012, is an investigation into the urban relationship between architecture and user.

The 2004 facelift of Wisma Atria chronicled a paradigm shift from the insular common mall form to a street-integrated urban mall – the first in the region to do so. The foremost design consideration was to provide visual connectivity and draw footfall into the building. Angelene designed this façade expansion with new visual and functional links with external escalators that connected the street plane with upper retail storeys. Weaving public street space with private retail space enriches the spatial quality, which boosts economic viability.

WISMA ATRIA IN 2004

NOON SQUARE

Noon Square | Seoul, South Korea | 2008 In Asia in particular, well-integrated retail architecture has significantly altered the urban fabric of most cities. The commercial success of projects such as Noon Square demonstrates this greater relationship between retail economics and programmatic architecture.

The design was conceived to transform Noon Square into an iconic building at the area’s gateway while assimilating a modern contemporary building into Myeongdong’s existing fabric.

This was expressed through the façade which became an extension of the pedestrian mall. Being mindful of the façade and urban grid, the final design gave way to a crystalline structure that breaks through conventions of retail architecture in Korea. It was also the form Angelene explored in turn in the 2012 revamp of Wisma Atria.

WISMA ATRIA IN 2012

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PAYA LEBAR QUARTER (Image courtesy of Lendlease)

NOVOTEL & MERCURE SINGAPORE ON STEVENS (Image courtesy of Oxley Gem Ptd Ltd)

Paya Lebar Quarter | Singapore | 2018 Angelene designed Paya Lebar Quarter – with a site area of four hectares comprising a dynamic mix of office, retail and residential programmes anchored by active, landscaped public spaces – to be a catalyst in the transformation of Paya Lebar into a vibrant commercial hub outside the city centre. The revitalisation of the district will reinforce Singapore’s position as a business-friendly city.

Novotel & Mercure Singapore on Stevens | Singapore | 2017 The vision for the project was to create an integrated and cohesive development to add both commercial and civic value to the urban fabric along Stevens Road. Transforming the 29,500sqm development, the ground floor was designed as a series of organic glass structures housing restaurants. Floating above this commercial destination are the two hotel towers. This visual beacon with sweeping wings takes its form from the Chinese character (人), meaning ‘people’.

Located near Geylang Serai, an area known for its rich Malay heritage, Paya Lebar Quarter’s design language was inspired by the intricate weaving patterns of the songket, a traditional Malay brocade textile; and unifies the buildings and public spaces into a single tapestry with a distinct cultural identity.

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"SPACE AND ARCHITECTURE ARE MORE THAN PLATFORMS TO TEST ONE'S OWN IDEAS. THEY HAVE TO FUNCTION AND RAISE THE QUALITY OF LIFE."

DR HOSSEIN REZAI-JORABI (NOMINATION) Founder of Web Structures and the first and only engineer to be awarded “Designer of the Year” in 2016 under the President’s Design Award Angelene is a true ambassador of the Singapore brand. She exemplifies design, reliability, rigour and honesty, qualities synonymous with Singapore.

Her significant body of work spans from Asia to Europe – including the upcoming TRX Lifestyle Quarter in Kuala Lumpur, Mariner’s Quarter in London, Respublika Plaza in Astana and Bonnevaux in Poitier. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has led DP Architects to fly high the Singapore flag at global level.

Within her diverse portfolio of built works, her strength in retail design stands out. Her successful retail projects – including Wisma Atria in Singapore, Noon Square in Seoul, and The Dubai Mall – have put her and DP at the forefront of modern retail design development across the globe.

YOTEL SINGAPORE

Yotel | Singapore | 2017 Modern and innovative, Yotel is an affordable luxury hotel that emulates current trends and lifestyles. Situated within Singapore’s famed shopping district along Orchard Road, it stands out with its façade of textured glass complemented by a rustic bronze podium that is starkly juxtaposed to appear three-dimensional against the tower.

I have personally seen Angelene brainstorming and collaborating with the world's best architects and designers. Her openmindedness and willingness to challenge established norms with confidence and a purposeful design agenda, would rank Angelene in the league of the best design architects I have ever worked with. Her decisiveness when decisions are needed, coupled with her timely doubt when exploration is called for, makes her an ideal designer. The design anxiety she revels in when pushing boundaries beyond her and everyone else's comfort zones, and the way she steers the creative process and her team to the final design is exemplary – a trait saved for the best creative minds.

The team-building spirit that has transformed DPA into a relevant and respected architectural and design entity globally is testament to Angelene's efforts to aim higher for herself, her firm, her profession and ultimately for Singapore.

It is for her profound passion for good design and for her role in the steady ascent of the Singapore design brand onto the global stage that I nominate her for Designer of the Year.

She deserves no less.

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P*DA IMPACT 2

ADVANCING SINGAPOREAN BRAND, CULTURE & COMMUNITY Projects that advance national branding, culture and heritage; transform communities, promote social inclusivity and bonding.

The success of The Dubai Mall has helped to place DP Architects on the global stage, raising awareness of Singapore’s design capabilities. The project bore the hallmarks of the Singapore brand – well considered design, quality of service, proper documentation and timely delivery. Since then, DP has been commissioned to design many large-scale retail projects in the Middle East region and beyond.

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The Dubai Mall | Dubai, UAE | 2008 At 550,000sqm of gross floor area, The Dubai Mall is the largest retail mall in the world, designed to meet the needs of different communities as they live, work and play in the ‘City within a City’.

Throughout its design process, a global approach that was mindful of its local context was key. Prime architectural elements such as the atrium skylights, façade design and internal details seek to connect with and extend the rich Arabic culture and heritage through sensitive re-interpretation of Arabic motifs and symbolism.

1: EMBASSY OF SPAIN AT YARRALUMIA (CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA) 2: 175 LONDON CIRCUIT (CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA) 3: NATIONAL SURVEYORS HOUSE AT DEAKIN (AUSTRALIA) 4: DAVID TEMPLE HOUSE (AUSTRALIA) 5: SPH MEDIAWORKS & TV STUDIOS (SINGAPORE) 6: SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS HQ (SINGAPORE) 7: CARLTON HOTEL EXTENSION (SINGAPORE) 8: BALMORAL CRESCENT CONDOMINIUM (SINGAPORE) 9: BERJAYA TIMES SQUARE (KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA) 10: WISMA ATRIA A&A (SINGAPORE) 11: 8 ON CHUAN (SINGAPORE) 12: ANSLEY CONDOMINIUM (SINGAPORE) 13: THE DUBAI MALL (UAE) 14: IBIS BENCOOLEN HOTEL (SINGAPORE) 15: THE ADDRESS - THE DUBAI MALL HOTEL (UAE) 16: DOLPHIN PLAZA (HANOI, VIETNAM) 17: NOON SQUARE (SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA) 18: PRIVATE HOUSE 19: DOVER PARK HOSPICE A&A (SINGAPORE) 20: PRIVATE HOUSE 21: WISMA ATRIA A&A (SINGAPORE) 22: SUNRAY WOODCRAFT HEADQUARTERS (SINGAPORE) 23: TEMASEK CLUB (SINGAPORE) 24: RHIZOME HOUSE (AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS) 25: PRIVATE HOUSE 26: BEDOK ECO CONDOMINIUM (SINGAPORE) 27: YOTEL HOTEL (SINGAPORE) 28: NOVOTEL & MERCURE ON STEVENS (SINGAPORE) 29: BONNEVAUX MEDITATION CENTRE (POITIERS, FRANCE) 30: INTERNATIONAL BUILDING FACADE A&A (SINGAPORE) 31: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUILDING (SINGAPORE) 32: BOULEVARD POINT (DUBAI, UAE) 33: PHNOM PENH CITY CENTER (CAMBODIA) 34: RESPUBLIKA PLAZA DESIGN DEV’T (ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN) 35: MARINER'S QUARTER (LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM) 36: BUKIT BINTANG PLAZA (KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA) 37: TRX RETAIL DEVELOPMENT (KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA) 38: PAYA LEBAR QUARTER (SINGAPORE) THE DUBAI MALL

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"EACH TIME I PRESENT TO AN OVERSEAS CLIENT, I SEE IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE AN AMBASSADOR OF THE SINGAPORE BRAND. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, DP'S INTRINSICALLY SINGAPORE BRAND OF QUALITY AND CULTURE OF HONOUR HAS BEEN APPRECIATED

BY ALL OUR OVERSEAS CLIENTS."

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P*DA IMPACT 3

MAKING GROUND-BREAKING ACHIEVEMENTS IN DESIGN Projects that have pushed boundaries in design craft and technical excellence, thereby achieving breakthroughs for the design industry.

Sunray Woodcraft Construction Headquarters | Singapore | 2014 Design is a personal exploration, which should not be stylised or typified into trends or signatures. Interestingly, it is when one places the needs of the users and community first, as one considers how to balance practical requirements of the brief while invigorating the local context that norms and prototypes are broken.

In considering the integration of environmentally sustainable design parameters as part of the design – and not merely as climate responsive strategies that are archetypes of tropical architecture,

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a better working and living environment for the end-users of Sunray Woodcraft Construction Headquarters was provided.

The architectural scheme of this light factory building articulates this holistic design process, valuing the natural ventilation and daylighting of this production facility which also incorporates a workers’ dormitory. With a keen understanding of the production process undergirding the entire development, the unique programming and sequencing of spaces – Production, Warehouse, Showroom, Office, Dormitory – the facility maximises time-saving through operational efficiency and increased worker productivity.

"ARCHITECTS HAVE A SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO PEOPLE WHO ARE USING THE SPACE." DR WILLIAM S.W. LIM (CITATION) Dr Lim, an architect, urban theorist and advocate, is a prolific writer and editor of many publications on current issues of post-modernism and design. He is also the president of AA Asia and chairman of Asian Urban Lab. Over the past two decades, Singapore has successfully transformed into a global city, based on aggressive neoliberal economic policies that have promoted increasing income disparity benefitting only the super-rich. Starchitects have become specialists in spreading stylistic visual images with controversial intent, but these contain only minor concerns towards local histories, cultures, climates and environments. This destructive global development that downgrades local communities and advocates self-centred architecture is now being contested by leading thinkers including David Harvey, Saskia Sassen, and Rem Koolhaas.

challenging circumstances. Angelene’s strengths lay in:

We are now at a critical juncture, with the threat of global climate crisis alongside unpredictable technological, social and cultural transitions. Chua Beng Huat’s Liberalism Disavowed has identified several positive local characteristics of Singaporean modernism.

As an ongoing process, it is hopeful that Singapore will overcome its obsession for high economic growth, but integrate maximising sustainability with an enlightened inclusiveness for everyone.

3. Her commitment to working in groups and appreciation for meaningful consultations with colleagues, authorities and communities and

Angelene Chan is clearly not a starchitect, nor interested in producing starchitecture. She must instead be judged by today’s evolving and

It is in this context that I sincerely wish to endorse Angelene Chan for Designer of the Year.

1. Her scope and depth of experience as an architect and CEO of DPA with an incredible exposure of local and overseas projects, working with both public and private organisations. Angelene’s work is firmly dedicated towards understanding and anchoring local sensibilities over producing mere superficial forms or images; 2. Being an industry leader who has often elucidated clear messages and visions for the architecture profession;

4. Expanding her vision beyond being solely focused on commissioned work, but also recognising the value of and becoming a champion for our built environment, conservation and its users.

P*DA IMPACT 4

TEMASEK CLUB MASTER PLAN

RAISING QUALITY OF LIFE Projects that raise quality of life for users in, but not limited to housing, health and wellness, lifestyle, public spaces, public (or publicly-available) services, amenities, transport, education, etc.

Temasek Club | Singapore | 2015 Sited on the pristine greenery adjacent to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and spanning 21,000sqm, the Temasek Club was purposed as a sanctuary for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regulars, Fulltime National Service and National Service officers to relax within the natural surrounds. Taking cues from the natural landscape, the design aimed to minimise the impact on the terrain. The terrain was employed as a cradle for the built massing. The volume of the club buildings are thus tucked into the valley of the site, while taking advantage of the forested views of the surrounding nature reserve.

Sensitive site-planning ensured that views of the nature reserve remain unspoilt from the main road.

Understanding that the clubhouse is a place for military personnel (people who stood behind the same values) to gather; identity and community formed the core design direction of Temasek Club.

Each space was conceived to communicate formality and grandeur through material choice and form. The buildings feature eight horizontal louvres that are helmed by a copper-hued roof, which represents the nine strokes of the lion’s mane in the Club’s logo.

Functionally, the horizontal louvres were employed to provide shade while keeping rain and monkeys at bay.

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Bonnevaux Meditation Centre | Poitier, France | 2019 Having experienced how meditation can improve the quality of life, Angelene wished to share the benefits of meditation given the high stress and fast-paced schedules of modern working life.

As her way of contributing to this beneficial practice, she helped the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) source for a piece of land in Poitier, France. Appropriately, this heavenly 60-hectare rolling plains has an abbey, which was built in 1600s.

She completed the design in 2016, but it requires a lot of work to convert the dilapidated buildings into a meditation retreat centre.

She is currently working with a local Execution Architect in France to complete the project; hopefully, by end-2019.

INDUSTRY |

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ANGELENE CHAN WINS 'DESIGNER OF THE YEAR' AT P * D A 2 01 8 Ms Angelene Chan, CEO of DP Architects was conferred the honour of Designer of the Year during the President’s Design Awards (P*DA) ceremony by Singapore President Halimah binti Yaacob on 17 July.

Recognising Angelene for her drive for innovation and research, and commitment to collaboration, the jury had commended her as an ‘exemplary’ architect. P*DA is Singapore’s highest honour for designers and designs across all disciplines. The biennial award is jointly administered by the Urban Redevelopment Authority and DesignSingapore Council.

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M E D I A C O R P CA M P US W I N S 'DESIGN OF THE YEAR' AT P * D A 2 01 8 The Mediacorp Campus, designed by Maki and Associates (Japan) clinched Design of the Year during the P*DA ceremony. It was commended for its simple expression of a complex spatial programme and its semi-reflective façade as a metaphor for a vessel of media and information that echoes its surroundings and changes subtly throughout the day. DP Architects is proud to be the collaborating project architect for Mediacorp Campus.

BONNEVAUX MEDITATION CENTRE

"THE ULTIMATE TEST OF ARCHITECTURE IS HOW HAPPY PEOPLE ARE WITHIN A SPACE. THIS HAPPINESS EXTENDS WELL BEYOND THE AESTHETIC NATURE OF A BUILDING."

AWARDS & EVENTS |

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O U R TA M P I N E S H U B I N WO R L D C I T I E S S U M M I T 2 01 8 Demonstrative of how urban development can be designed for the residents to build a community through meaningful engagement, Our Tampines Hub, Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub, was one of the sites chosen to be showcased during the World Cities Summit 2018. Held from 7 to 12 July, the biennial summit had over 600 attendees, including ministers, mayors and city leaders.

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ALPHA CITY CLINCHED B E ST LUX U RY C O N D O A R C H I T E CT U R A L D E S I G N A N D B E ST R ETA I L DEVELOPMENT On 22 June, Alpha City, a 50-storey residential-retail tower, won both Best Luxury Condo Architectural Design and Best Retail Development in the Vietnam Property Awards 2018. Alpha City, designed by DP Architects and developed by Alpha King Real Estate Development Joint Stock, is expected to be completed in 2021.

TEMASEK CLUB

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Design Matters I N P E RS O N s i t s d o w n w i t h M s A n g e l e n e C h a n with questions about design, leadership and clinching Designer of the Year at the 2018 President*s Design Award (P*DA).

Inter view by Belle Chung & Toh Bee Ping

CEO OF DP ARCHITECTS, MS ANGELENE CHAN

022 24

IN person |

DP INTERVIEW

What does it mean to you to win P*DA Designer of the Year?

I am deeply honoured by this recognition. Winning it this year is special to me because the award was relaunched to focus not only on the quality of design, but also the far-reaching impacts that design can have. For me, the ultimate aspiration is to create architecture that improve communities and better lives, so receiving this award is a great encouragement.

I also feel thankful. Preparing for the award has given me a chance to review my body of work; and looking back, I am very grateful for the support and friendship from my colleagues, family, clients and collaborators; without them, I would not be able pursue my passion for architecture.

Not only has P*DA revamped its judging criteria for this year ’s edition, but also made it a biennial award.

What are your thoughts on this change? Do you think the new judging criteria are fair benchmarks to appraise design/designers?

It is probably a lot of effort organising the design award every year. After ten years, they have done a good job to establish the P*DA brand. Holding this every two years will enable the organisers to fully showcase the awards and give it more exposure to the public.

As for the new set of criteria, I don’t see it as fair or unfair benchmarks; just thorough and different, which is good. What architects do affects the living environment and contemporary life, so design should not be just for design’s sake. It is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. The new criteria, I believe, will help to sieve through many aspects of design projects and help the public understand the complex layering of design.

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related specialists and typology researchers can always come together for design sharing and design crits. This culture is complemented by harnessing the power of technology such as Building Information Modelling (BIM). It has enabled DP with its 17 offices around the world and 8 specialist arms to seamlessly function as One Global Studio without the limitations of geographical boundaries and differing time zones. The use of technological tools also contributes to the exploration of new hybrid technologies in DP. The whole purpose is to ensure that there is always room for creative thought, conversations and feedback, which are in turn absolutely essential for producing effective and innovative design solutions delivered in high quality.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND SHIFTS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOUR ARE CHANGING THE DYNAMICS OF THE PROFESSION AND THE DESIGN INDUSTRY. RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL MASTERY WILL HELP DEVELOP NEW SOLUTIONS TO DESIGN.

How do you reconcile your own design philosophy with the firm’s?

What I am interested in, is architecture that addresses the needs of the everyday person. Spaces for people should be well considered in relation to the urban and natural context. When this is achieved in design, buildings can have a significant socio-economic impact, shaping the urban setting.

In what way has Singapore shaped the way you design?

Designing in Singapore and Southeast Asian countries, a key consideration is the tropical climate so as to put user comfort first. My designs incorporate passive design principles as a core strategy. For instance, I employ the use of louvres as both a design and functional feature for natural ventilated spaces.

You see this in Sunray Headquarters and Temasek Club.

DP's reputation was built on a 50-year portfolio of excellent architectural works that prioritised the human condition, with the aspiration to enrich the human experience and uplift the human spirit. This is the definition and heart of design in DP. It is also what I see as my responsibility and purpose as an architect.

Singapore’s vision to be a garden city and now a City in a Garden, has also shaped local designers’ sensibilities in integrating the landscape with the architecture. Urban greenery is now a key feature in most of the projects we work on. At Novotel & Mercure Singapore on Stevens, instead of conventional hotel blocks where all the spaces are internalised, we distributed the masses into oval pods around the site to create more porosity and allow more spaces for landscaping. The key design intervention for Paya Lebar Quarter, which has a site area of four hectares, is the active, landscaped public spaces that connects and anchors the entire development.

How do you maintain design standards and consistency in a firm as large as DP, with 17 global offices and 8 specialist arms?

Keep things design-focused. Encourage and build a culture of continuous learning where our architects, designers,

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ANGELENE RECEIVING THE HER WORLD WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD 2017 FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS, MR NG YAT CHUNG AND MINISTER FOR CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH, MS GRACE FU AT THE HER WORLD AWARDS CEREMONY ON 23 AUGUST 2017

PROJECT MODEL IN HAND, ANGELENE SHARES HER DESIGN APPROACH AND CONCEPT WITH PRESIDENT HALIMAH YAACOB, MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR S ISWARAN AND MINISTER FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MR LAWRENCE WONG

You have taken the DP brand to many different countries.

What do you bring to these countries as a Singapore practitioner?

As a home-grown architectural firm that has grown in tandem with Singapore’s nation-building, DP has had the privilege to contribute to the nation’s urban landscape. Over the last 50 years, we have designed some of its most significant developments in the Marina Bay district and the Orchard Road shopping belt, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and Singapore Sports Hub. Through this, we have garnered a wealth of experience, and developed a design approach and methodology unique to DP, which we bring to all our projects overseas.

we have to juggle roles – mother, daughter, wife, working professional – and responsibilities, and pursue our dreams.

Working overseas, we see ourselves as an ambassador of the Singapore brand. We bring with us qualities that are synonymous with Singapore: our culture of honour, quality of design and service, appreciation of cultural diversity and efficient delivery. In this way, we also help to drive the Singapore design brand globally.

In your opinion, what does it mean to be a woman architect in the industry today?

I have always thought of myself simply as ‘an architect’. I see the practise of architecture as an act of design that has the power to improve lives and build communities; and the gender of the architect has no bearing on the power of architecture.

The creation process is gender-neutral and at the heart of building design is still the human experience.

How does DP keep gender biases out of the office and off the drawing block?

We practice gender equality. DP is never deliberate in terms of hiring or promoting staff simply to fill a gender gap. Man or woman, young or old – all are given equal opportunities to excel and are rewarded based on their performance. DP is also a well-balanced workplace with 47% female staff to 53% male.

What we are deliberate about, is meritocracy. Male or female, it is the skill and knowledge that one brings to the drawing block that matters. Each and every staff is assessed based on merits of their work performance. Everyone is given an opportunity to voice their interests and to pursue that opportunity.

What is the future of architecture and what skills do architects need?

The dynamics of the profession and the design industry at large is changing due to rapid advancement in technologies and shifts in human behaviour. So, as designers we need new

That said, my biggest hope is that women see this and understand that it is only about the gender in so far that we, as women, often feel like we have to choose between professional and personal responsibilities. Rather, as women, recognise that we have the privilege and natural talent to play multiple roles and cope with multiple responsibilities. We can achieve so much more! So, as women architects we should value the innate ability ANGELENE'S SITE HELMET

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PHOTOGRAPHED WITH FORMER PRESIDENT S R NATHAN IN 2010, ANGELENE WAS PRESENTING HER BODY OF WORKS UPON CLINCHING A PLACE AMONG THE 20 UNDER 45 – AN INITIATIVE OF THE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT BOARD (URA) THAT RECOGNISES THE WORK OF 20 PROMISING SINGAPORE REGISTERED ARCHITECTS UNDER THE AGE OF 45.

KEEP THINGS DESIGN FOCUSED. ENCOURAGE AND BUILD A CULTURE OF CONTINUOUS LEARNING...

SO THAT THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR CREATIVE THOUGHT, CONVERSATIONS AND FEEDBACK, WHICH ARE ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL FOR PRODUCING EFFECTIVE AND INNOVATIVE DESIGN SOLUTIONS DELIVERED IN HIGH QUALITY. ideas; and research and technical mastery will help to develop new solutions to design challenges.

In DP, we currently have ten typology research teams to investigate developments in each building type, above and beyond the research we would typically do for our projects.

This focus on research is not something that will reap returns in the short term; however, when the firm as a whole recognises the importance and benefits of research, it will raise the level of investigation in each team, which in turn will result in better design.

IN 2015, SHE RECEIVED THE P*DA DESIGN OF THE YEAR FOR HER DESIGN ON SUNRAY WOODCRAFT HQ FROM FORMER PRESIDENT TONY TAN

At the same time, technology is essential for design innovation, and increasingly designers need to understand software capabilities, script and codes in order to harness the full potential of technology. We have a Design Intelligence unit to advance our technical capabilities and the integration of computational design tools in our design process. This will mean a change in the way we think and behave as designers, but it is a necessary shift if we want to sustain and evolve our creative practice.

Would you encourage young people to take up architecture?

Is it for everyone?

It is a demanding profession that takes up a lot of energy and time. Don’t take up architecture with an idealised view of what it means to be an architect or because it is a way to make your mark in the world. You must love architecture because it requires total commitment and tenacity. But if you have the passion for architecture and the aptitude to imagine spaces, it is a most rewarding and meaningful career.

What advice would you give to a young designer?

Have courage to pursue your ideas. Be curious always.

Be always ready to embrace change. Never stop learning.

Dream big and work hard. Read constantly, and travel often to open your eyes and mind.

ANGELENE RECEIVES THE COVETED DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE 2018 P*DA CEREMONY FROM PRESIDENT HALIMAH YAACOB

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THANK YOU Speech made at the P*DA Ceremony at the Istana 17th July 2018 I am deeply honoured to be receiving this prestigious award.

My heartfelt thanks to the esteemed jury for taking the time to deliberate my work, and for this wonderful affirmation of my life’s pursuit.

To my mum, my husband and my children – your unfailing love and support have anchored me and, together with God’s blessings, allowed me to achieve that delicate balance of a rewarding career and a fulfilling family life.

I have been practising architecture for 30 years now. These have been productive and rewarding years because of the support from colleagues, family and friends. I would like to take this opportunity to mention a few people to whom I owe a special debt of gratitude.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Dr William Lim who wrote the citation for my submission and Dr Hossein Rezai for graciously nominating me for this award; your confidence in me encouraged me to go for this.

Firstly, Mr Koh Seow Chuan and Mr Francis Lee – from the first day I walked through the doorways of DP Architects, exactly 28 years and 1 week ago – my architectural journey has been purposefully nurtured by both of you. My grateful thanks for your care and mentorship.

At the heart of architecture lies the human experience. As an architect, I see it as my responsibility to continually evolve and to explore architecture that improves the way we live and interact with the world. This award is a great encouragement for me to persist in my craft, to create spaces that enrich lives and strengthen communities, to leave behind places better than I found them.

To my talented and hardworking team at DP – this award is our collective achievement. We have inspired and learned from each other all these years, and we will continue to do so.

Thank you.

HAVE COURAGE TO PURSUE YOUR IDEAS. BE CURIOUS ALWAYS. BE ALWAYS READY TO EMBRACE CHANGE. NEVER STOP LEARNING. DREAM BIG AND WORK HARD. READ CONSTANTLY, AND TRAVEL OFTEN TO OPEN YOUR EYES AND MIND.

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51

years of architectural excellence

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Copyright Š DP Architects Pte Ltd MCI (P) 118/08/2018

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At th e a g e o f 2 6, A n g el en e C h a n c o -h ea d e d t h e ret a i l c o m p o n e n t o f t h e S u n t e c Ci t y p ro j e c t .

Her pa ssio n fo r t h e wo rk , t a l en t fo r d e s i g n a n d a b i l i t y t o n av i g a t e a n d d i re c t p ro j e c t s h ave imp re ss ed t h o s e a ro u n d h e r. T h e c o m b i n a t i o n o f g r i t a n d p a s s i o n h a s s i n c e f u e l l e d h e r u n st o p p a b le g row t h a n d le d h e r t o t h e s u c c e s s e s s h e h a s a c h i eve d t o d ay. – Ko h S eow C h u a n

1993